Transmitting apparatus, method for controlling the transmitting apparauts, and computer-readable storage medium

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus includes a reader that reads a document to generate image data, a user interface that accepts an instruction from a user, a memory device that stores instructions, and a processor that executes the instructions stored in the memory device. The instructions are executed to transmit the generated image data, set a setting regarding an output of a transmission result of transmission of the image data based on an instruction for transmitting before the user interface accepts the instruction for transmitting, and control the output of the transmission result, based on the setting, in the transmission of the image data in accordance with the instruction for transmitting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a transmitting apparatus, a method forcontrolling the transmitting apparatus, and a computer-readable storagemedium.

Description of the Related Art

In recent years, multi-function printers have been widely used thatinclude not only a copy function but also a print function, a faxfunction, a scan function, an address book for managing transmissionaddress information, and the like, and that can execute a plurality offunctions. Such a multi-function printer includes an operation unithaving an operation panel provided with a touch panel and hard keys, anda user touches an icon or the like of a desired function in a functionlist displayed on the operation panel and designates the desiredfunction. A user authentication function is also provided, andoperations to the multi-function printer performed by an authenticateduser are restricted in accordance with the authority of this user.

Conventionally, this kind of multi-function printer and facsimileapparatus include a transmission result report function of printing andoutputting a result of transmission performed by a user using the faxfunction or a network scan function. With this transmission resultreport function, the user can set a desired operation, such as “alwaysprint”, “never print”, or “print only in case of error”, and upontransmission ending, the apparatus controls printing of the transmissionresult report in accordance with this setting.

Meanwhile, there is a use case of printing and storing the transmissionresult report as evidence that an important document has beentransmitted. However, in some cases, a setting of the printing of thetransmission result report that is configured by an administrator or thelike is different from a setting of the printing of the transmissionresult report that is intended by the user who is about to transmit animportant document from now. For example, if the setting is not “alwaysprint”, the transmission result report is not printed. For this reason,in order for the user to print the transmission result report, it isnecessary to open a setting screen of the apparatus and check thesetting of the transmission result report for each transmission job, andto change this setting as necessary. Furthermore, after the user changesthe setting of the transmission result report and executes desiredprocessing, this user needs to restore the setting of the transmissionresult report again via the setting screen. For this reason, it takestime and effort of the user, and if the user forgets to restore thesetting, other users will be bothered.

With regard to this problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-46692describes a facsimile apparatus in which a setting of printing or notprinting the transmission result report can be configured, and a settingscreen is displayed for configuring a setting of printing or notprinting the transmission result report upon a start key for giving afax transmission instruction being pressed. With the technique describedin Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-46692, the printing of thetransmission result report is controlled in accordance with settingsconfigured on the setting screen at the time when the start key ispressed.

With the technique described in aforementioned Japanese Patent Laid-OpenNo. 2003-46692, a setting of printing or not printing the transmissionresult report can be configured when the start key is pressed, andaccordingly the operability is improved as compared with the case ofopening the setting screen and configuring a transmission result reportprint setting every time the setting of a transmission job isconfigured.

However, there is a possibility that a problem will arise if whether ornot to print the transmission result report is left to the intention ofthe user who operates the apparatus. That is to say, if the setting ischanged by an operation of a general user so as not to print thetransmission result report even though the administrator wants to alwaysprint the transmission result report, there is a possibility that aproblem will arise in the management regarding security, informationmaintenance, or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a technique for allowing coexistence of areport output setting that serves as a common setting for a plurality oftransmission jobs and a report output setting that serves as anindividual setting for a specific transmission job.

In order to achieve the above-stated object, a transmitting apparatusaccording to a mode of the present invention has the followingconfiguration. That is to say, the present invention is: a transmittingapparatus including: an executing unit configured to execute atransmission job for transmitting image data; an outputting unitconfigured to output a report indicating a result of transmission of theimage data; a first accepting unit configured to accept, as a commonsetting for a plurality of transmission jobs, a first instructionregarding output of the report; a second accepting unit configured toaccept, as an individual setting for a specific transmission job, asecond instruction regarding output of the report; and a control unitconfigured to perform control so as to output the report by using theoutputting unit if the second instruction indicates that the report isto be output, even if the first instruction does not indicate that thereport is to be output.

According to the present invention, a report output setting that servesas a common setting for a plurality of transmission jobs and a reportoutput setting that serves as an individual setting for a specifictransmission job are allowed to coexist.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to theattached drawings).

Note that, in the attached drawings, the same or similar configurationsare given the same reference numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached drawings are included in the specification, constitute apart thereof, show embodiments of the present invention, and are usedfor illustrating the principle of the present invention in conjunctionwith the description of the specification.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digitalmulti-function printer (copying machine).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating software functions of themulti-function printer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state where a home screen is displayed ona display unit of an operation unit of the multi-function printer.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an exemplary scan operation screen.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an exemplary fax operation screen.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an exemplary device setting screen.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an exemplary transmission result reportsetting screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an exemplary application function settingscreen that is displayed on the display unit by a user pressing anapplication function button in FIG. 4A or 4B.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary transmission result report thatis printed by the multi-function printer.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission result report printsetting in the multi-function printer according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the case of configuringa print setting of “transmission result report” on the applicationfunction setting screen in the multi-function printer according toEmbodiment 1.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing for controlling, whentransmission ends, whether to print the transmission result report inthe multi-function printer according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission result report printsetting in a multi-function printer according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing for controlling, whentransmission ends, whether to print the transmission result report inthe multi-function printer according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an exemplary transmission result reportprint setting screen that is displayed in a multi-function printeraccording to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an exemplary application function settingscreen that is displayed on a display unit 301 by a user pressing anapplication function button 403 or 408 in FIG. 4A or 4B, in Embodiment3.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing for controlling, whentransmission ends, whether to print the transmission result report inthe multi-function printer according to Embodiment 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be hereinafter described indetail, with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the followingembodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in thepresent invention, and not all combinations of features described in theembodiments are necessarily essential to the solving means of thepresent invention. Note that these embodiments will describe, as anexample of a transmitting apparatus of the present invention, anexemplary multi-function printer having a scan function, a copyfunction, a print function, a storage function, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digitalmulti-function printer (copying machine) according to the embodiments.

This digital copying machine includes an image forming unit 101 thatforms an image on recording paper (sheet) using a method such as anelectrophotographic method, and a control unit 102 that controls thedigital copying machine. The digital copying machine also includes afinisher 103 that performs post-processing such as stapling processing,a scanner unit 104 that reads an original and outputs image data of theoriginal, and an operation unit 105 that inputs various kinds of dataand commands. The digital copying machine also includes a networkinterface (I/F) 106 that transmits and receives image data via anetwork, a facsimile interface 107 that transmits and receives fax data,and a card reader 110 that performs authentication of a user who usesthis multi-function printer. The aforementioned image forming unit 101,finisher 103, scanner unit 104, operation unit 105, network I/F 106,facsimile I/F 107, and card reader 110 are connected to the control unit102 via respective dedicated interfaces (not shown).

The control unit 102 is provided with a central processing unit (CPU)108 and a storage apparatus (memory) 109. The memory 109 stores controlprograms or the like with which the CPU 108 executes processingfollowing later-described flowcharts. The memory 109 also stores acontrol program for a setting dialog box, contents of description ofscreen information or the like, and so on. Here, the memory 109 includesstorage units or the like, such as a DRAM that stores programs which areto be executed by the CPU 108 and provides a work area, and a HDD (harddisk drive) that stores programs, image data, and the like in anonvolatile manner.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating software functions of themulti-function printer according to the embodiments.

A UI control unit 201 displays an operation screen on a display unit ofthe operation unit 105 and controls a user interface (UI) for acceptinga user operation. A scan control unit 202 controls the scanner unit 104and controls processing for reading an image of an original. Atransmission control unit 203 controls processing for transmitting, toan address designated by the user using the network interface 106, theimage data obtained from the scanner unit 104 by the scan control unit202 controlling the scanner unit 104. A fax control unit 204 controlsfax transmission and reception via the facsimile interface 107.

A job control unit 205 manages a transmission request from the useraccepted by the UI control unit 201, as well as execution status andhistory thereof. An image management unit 206 manages image dataacquired from the scanner unit 104. A report control unit 207 referencesjob history that is managed by the job control unit 205 and generatesthe transmission result report. A print control unit 208 controlsprinting of image data acquired from the scanner unit 104, a receivedfax document, the transmission result report, or the like on a sheet,using the image forming unit 101. Programs that realize these softwarefunctions are stored in the memory 109, and these functions are executedas a result of the programs being executed under the control of the CPU108.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state where an initial screen is displayedon a display unit 301 of the operation unit 105 of the multi-functionprinter according to the embodiments.

A copy button 306, a scan button 307, a fax button 308, and a box button309 are displayed on the display unit 301. Upon the user selecting andtouching any of these buttons, processing of the function correspondingto the button is started. Furthermore, this operation unit 105 includesa ten key 302 and a start key 303 for giving an instruction to start ajob. Furthermore, a “setting/registration” button 304 that calls adevice setting screen and a “history/status” button 305 that calls a jobhistory/status screen are also arranged.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an exemplary scan operation screen that isdisplayed on the display unit 301 of the operation unit 105 by the userpressing the “scan” button 307 on the screen in FIG. 3.

Buttons with which the user designates an address are displayed in anaddress input area 401. The designation of the address here can beexecuted by using any of “address book”, “one-touch”, and “new address”.Upon the user pressing an address book button 404, an address bookscreen is displayed on the display unit 301. The user can thereby selecta desired address from the address book. Upon the “one-touch” buttonbeing pressed, a screen of keys that are registered as one-touch keys isdisplayed, and the user selects a key corresponding to a desired addressfrom among them. Upon the “new address” button being pressed, a screenfor inputting an address is displayed, and the user inputs a telephonenumber or the like of the address by using a ten key 302 or the like.

A button group 402 includes transmission setting buttons for configuringtransmission settings such as reading resolution (in FIG. 4, 300×300dpi) and a reading color mode (in FIG. 4, full color). An applicationfunction button 403 calls various advanced settings for reading andtransmission. Here, the application functions include designation ofmagnification and a timer setting for reading, designation of a filename and report printing for transmission, and the like.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an exemplary fax operation screen that isdisplayed on the display unit 301 of the operation unit 105 by the userpressing the “fax” button 308 on the screen in FIG. 3.

Here, as in the scan operation screen, a transmission setting button 407and an application function button 408 are provided. An address of faxtransmission is set by directly inputting a telephone number in a faxaddress input box 405 by using the ten key 302, or by selecting anaddress from among addresses displayed in a one-touch display area 406.Alternatively, the address can also be designated by pressing an addressbook button 409 to display the address book and selecting an address.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an exemplary device setting screen that isdisplayed on the display unit 301 of the operation unit 105 by the userpressing the setting/registration button 304 on the screen in FIG. 3.

A device setting menu has a hierarchical structure, and accordingly thisscreen is provided with a layer display area 501 for displaying thecurrent layer and a setting item list 502 for displaying items that canbe set in this layer. The user can display a setting screen for adesired item by selecting the item displayed in the setting item list502. For example, if “transmission result report” is selected, a settingscreen for setting the transmission result report printing operation canbe opened.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an exemplary transmission result reportsetting screen that is displayed by the user touching “transmissionresult report” in the setting item list 502 in FIG. 5A.

A device setting configured via this setting screen is effective for thedevice. Accordingly, the setting on this screen defines the transmissionresult report printing operation for all transmission jobs to beexecuted by this device.

An “always print” button 503 configures a setting so as to always printthe transmission result report every time a transmission job ends. A“print only in case of error” button 504 configures a setting so as toprint the transmission result report only when transmission ends due toan error. A “never print” button 505 configures a setting so as to neverprint the transmission result report. The user can set, on the device,the transmission result report printing operation after a transmissionjob ends, by selecting any of these buttons 503 to 505.

The transmission result report setting screen is also provided with abutton 506 for permitting, when the user configures settings of atransmission job, an instruction from the application function in orderto configure a setting of permitting or not permitting an instruction toprint the transmission result report that is given through theapplication function button 403 or 408 in FIG. 4A or 4B, and an OKbutton 507 for fixing the setting on this screen.

The setting of, for example, printing or not printing the transmissionresult report that is thus configured via the screens in FIGS. 5A and 5Bis registered as a device setting for this multi-function printer.Accordingly, this setting can be usually performed only by a user whohas administrator authority.

On the other hand, the setting of printing or not printing thetransmission result report via the screens in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 6 isconfigured by the user for each job that is to be executed by the user,is configured in association with respective jobs, and can also beconfigured by a user who does not have the administrator authority.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an exemplary application function settingscreen that is displayed on the display unit 301 by the user pressingthe application function button 403 or 408 in FIG. 4A or 4B.

The setting using the application function is effective for eachtransmission job. The user can configure a necessary setting for atransmission job by pressing buttons displayed on this applicationfunction setting screen.

In FIG. 6, a “transmission result report” button 601 for giving aninstruction to print the transmission result report is displayed on thethird page of the application function setting screen, following buttonsfor setting “file name”, “title/text”, “reply address”, and “emailimportance”. The user can configure a setting so as to print thetransmission result report after a transmission job ends, by touchingthis “transmission result report” button 601.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an exemplary transmission result report thatis printed by the multi-function printer according to the embodiments.

The transmission result report includes a transmission result area 701and a transmitted image area 702. In the transmission result area 701,the date and time when the report was output, the receipt number,transmission start time, and the number of transmitted sheets areprinted. The telephone number of a transmission-completed address isprinted as an address for which transmission has normally ended. If anerror has occurred, the address of transmission regarding which theerror has occurred is printed. In the transmitted image area 702, animage of the first page of transmitted sheets is printed.

Embodiment 1

Processing for setting an operation of printing the transmission resultreport on the device will be described below with reference to aflowchart in FIG. 8. Note that a control program related to thisflowchart is stored in the memory 109, and the processing shown in theflowchart is realized by the program being executed under the control ofthe CPU 108.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the transmission result report printsetting in the multi-function printer according to Embodiment 1.

In step S801, the CPU 108 displays the initial screen shown in FIG. 3,on the display unit 301 of the operation unit 105. Next, upon the CPU108 detecting in step S802 that the user has touched thesetting/registration button 304 on the screen in FIG. 3, the CPU 108proceeds to step S803 and displays the device setting screen shown inFIG. 5A, on the operation unit 105. Next, in step S804, as a result ofthe user selecting “transmission result report” in the setting item list502, the CPU 108 accepts an instruction to display the transmissionresult report setting screen.

Next, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S805 and determines whether or notthe operating user has the administrator authority. If the CPU 108determines in step S805 that the user has the administrator authority,the CPU 108 proceeds to step S806 and displays the transmission resultreport setting screen shown in FIG. 5B, on the operation unit 105. Instep S807, the CPU 108 waits for the OK button 507 being pressed on thescreen in FIG. 5B. Upon the OK button 507 being pressed, the CPU 108proceeds to step S808 and determines which of the “always print” button503, the “print only in case of error” button 504, and the “never print”button 505 has been pressed (selected) on the screen in FIG. 5B. The CPU108 then acquires the selected transmission result report setting as abasic operation setting. Next, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S809 andacquires which of ON and OFF in the button 506 for permitting thesetting using the application function has been selected. The CPU 108then proceeds to step S810, saves the transmission result report printsettings acquired in steps S808 and S809 in the memory 109, and ends theprocessing.

On the other hand, if the user is not an administrator in step S805, theCPU 108 proceeds to step S811 and displays a user authentication screenon the operation unit 105. Then, in step S812, the CPU 108 determineswhether or not user authentication has been successful based on userinformation that is input on this authentication screen. The CPU 108proceeds to step S806 if the user authentication has been successfulhere, whereas the CPU 108 ends the processing if the user authenticationhas failed.

Note that, in Embodiment 1, the transmission result report printsettings on the multi-function printer can be configured only by theadministrator, and accordingly, when the user selects “transmissionresult report” in the setting item list 502 on the screen in FIG. 5A, itis determined whether or not this user has the administrator authority.However, a configuration may also be employed in which, if it isunderstood in advance that the user does not have the administratorauthority, “transmission result report” in the setting item list 502 isshaded such that “transmission result report” cannot be selected whenthe device setting screen in FIG. 5A is displayed.

Subsequently, a description will be given, using a flowchart in FIG. 9,of processing for controlling display of the “transmission resultreport” button 601 that is displayed on the application function settingscreen.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the case of configuringa print setting of “transmission result report” on the applicationfunction setting screen (FIG. 6) of the multi-function printer accordingto Embodiment 1. Note that a control program related to this flowchartis stored in the memory 109, and the processing shown in the flowchartis realized by the program being executed under the control of the CPU108.

Initially, in step S901, the CPU 108 detects that the user has pressedthe application function button 403 or 408 on the scan or fax operationscreen in FIG. 4A or 4B, and accepts an instruction to display theapplication function setting screen. The CPU 108 then proceeds to stepS902 and displays the application function setting screen shown in FIG.6, for example. Next, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S903 and referencesthe transmission result report print settings that are saved in thememory 109 in step S810 in FIG. 8. The CPU 108 then proceeds to stepS904 and determines whether the setting using the application functionhas been permitted in the stored transmission result report printsettings, i.e., whether ON in the button 506 on the screen in FIG. 5Bhas been pressed. If it is determined here that ON has been selected,i.e., that the print setting using the application function has beenpermitted, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S905, displays the “transmissionresult report” button 601 in an unshaded state on the screen in FIG. 6,and proceeds to step S906. In step S906, the CPU 108 acquires a state ofpressing of the “transmission result report” button 601 on the screen inFIG. 6. The CPU 108 then proceeds to step S907, reflects the setting ofprinting or not printing the transmission result report in a set valueof the job, in accordance with the pressing state, and ends theprocessing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S904 that the printsetting using the application function has not been permitted, i.e.,that OFF in the button 506 on the screen in FIG. 5B has been selected,the CPU 108 proceeds to step S908. In step S908, the CPU 108 displaysthe “transmission result report” button 601 in FIG. 6 in a shaded state,and ends the processing. Note that, since the transmission result reportprint setting is specifically described here, the processing ends afterthe “transmission result report” button 601 is displayed in a shadedstate in step S908 in order not to accept the operation to the button601. In practice, for example, a file name, a reply address, importance,and the like are set by other buttons being pressed in the example inFIG. 6.

With this processing, if, in step S906, the “transmission result report”button 601 has been pressed, a setting is configured so as to print thetransmission result report for the transmission job. However, if the“transmission result report” button 601 is displayed in a shaded state,the user cannot operate this button 601, and accordingly a setting forprinting the transmission result report cannot be configured with theapplication function buttons 403 and 408 in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

Subsequently, a description will be given, with reference to a flowchartin FIG. 10, of processing for controlling whether to print thetransmission result report in accordance with the above-describedsettings, when a transmission job ends.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating processing for controlling, whentransmission ends, whether to print the transmission result report inthe multi-function printer according to Embodiment 1. Note that acontrol program related to this flowchart is stored in the memory 109,and the processing shown in the flowchart is realized by the programbeing executed under the control of the CPU 108.

This processing is started by a transmission job ending, and initially,in step S1001, the CPU 108 determines whether the printing of thetransmission result report has been set for the transmission job thathas ended, by using the “transmission result report” button 601 on theapplication function setting screen. If a setting has been configuredhere so as to print the transmission result report, the CPU 108 proceedsto step S1002, generates and prints the transmission result report, suchas one shown in FIG. 7, and ends the processing. In Embodiment 1, in thecase where the setting using the application function that is to beconfigured for each job has been permitted, if the printing of thetransmission result report has been set by using the applicationfunction, this setting is given priority over the device setting, andthe transmission result report is printed.

On the other hand, in step S1001, if the CPU 108 determines that theprinting of the transmission result report has not been set by using the“transmission result report” button 601, the CPU 108 proceeds to stepS1003. In step S1003, the CPU 108 references the transmission resultreport print settings that are saved in the memory 109, and determineswhether the setting on the device is “always print”. Here, if the CPU108 determines that the setting is “always print”, the CPU 108 proceedsto step S1002, prints the transmission result report, and ends theprocessing.

On the other hand, if the CPU 108 determines in step S1003 that thesetting is not “always print”, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1004 anddetermines whether or not the setting on the device is “print only incase of error”. If so, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1005, referencesinformation of the job for which transmission has ended, and determineswhether or not the transmission of the job has been successful. Here, ifthe CPU 108 determines that the transmission has failed, the CPU 108proceeds to step S1002 and prints the transmission result report,whereas if the transmission has been successful, the CPU 108 ends theprocessing without printing the transmission result report. If the CPU108 determines in step S1004 that the setting on the device is not“print only in case of error”, the CPU 108 determines that the settingon the device is “never print”, and ends the processing without printingthe transmission result report.

As described above, according to Embodiment 1, the setting of printingor not printing the transmission result report can be configured on boththe setting screen for configuring settings on the device and thesetting screen for configuring settings for each job. Furthermore,whether or not to permit the settings to be configured on the settingscreen for each job can be designated in the settings on the device, andaccordingly a configuration is also possible in which, if, for example,the administrator configures a setting on the multi-function printer soas to print the transmission result report, the user cannot change thissetting for each job.

Embodiment 2

In Embodiment 1 described above, a setting of printing the transmissionresult report can be configured on the application function screen thatcan also be operated by a general user, but a setting of not printingthe transmission result report cannot be configured. However, if theadministrator does not set “always print”, there may possibly be noproblem in the management even if a general user can designate whetheror not it is necessary to print the transmission result report.

In Embodiment 2, when the administrator sets “always print” on themulti-function printer, a transmission result report print settingconfigured by a general user is not accepted. Also, in the exampledescribed below, when the administrator does not set “always print”, atransmission result report print setting configured by a general user isaccepted. Note that, since the configuration and the like of themulti-function printer according to Embodiment 2 are similar to those inEmbodiment 1 described above, a description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a transmission result report printsetting in the multi-function printer according to Embodiment 2. In FIG.11, processing in steps S1101 to S1106 is the same as the operations insteps S801 to S804, S806, and S808 in FIG. 8 described above, andaccordingly a description thereof will be omitted. Note that a controlprogram related to this flowchart is stored in the memory 109, and theprocessing shown in the flowchart is realized by the program beingexecuted under the control of the CPU 108. Note that, although theprocessing for displaying the transmission result report setting screenincluding the user authentication processing has been described in FIG.8 in Embodiment 1 above, a description of the authentication processingwill be omitted here.

In step S1107, the CPU 108 determines whether “always print” has beenselected on the transmission result report setting screen in FIG. 5B. Ifit is determined here that “always print” has been selected, the CPU 108proceeds to step S1111, displays the “permit setting using applicationfunction” button 506 in a shaded state on the screen in FIG. 5B so asnot to allow the setting using the application function. The CPU 108then proceeds to step S1112, registers that the setting using theapplication function is not allowed, and ends the processing.

On the other hand, if the CPU 108 determines in step S1107 that “alwaysprint” has not been selected on the transmission result report settingscreen in FIG. 5B, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1108 and displays the“permit setting using application function” button 506 in a normal stateon the screen in FIG. 5B. The CPU 108 then proceeds to step S1109,accepts selection of ON or OFF in the “permit setting using applicationfunction” button 506 on the screen in FIG. 5B, and upon the OK button507 being pressed, in step S1110, the CPU 108 registers this setting andends the processing.

Next, processing for printing the transmission result report aftertransmission ends will be described with reference to a flowchart inFIG. 12.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing for controlling, whentransmission ends, whether to print the transmission result report inthe multi-function printer according to Embodiment 2. Note that acontrol program related to this flowchart is stored in the memory 109,and the processing shown in the flowchart is realized by the programbeing executed under the control of the CPU 108.

In step S1201, the CPU 108 determines whether the printing of“transmission result report” has been set using the application functionfor the transmission job submitted by the user. If it is determined thatthe printing has been set, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1202 anddetermines whether or not this setting is a print instruction that isgiven by the “transmission result report” button 601 being pressed onthe screen in FIG. 6. If it is determined in step S1202 that the settingis “print”, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1203, references informationof the transmission job, generates and prints the transmission resultreport such as one shown in FIG. 7, and ends the processing. On theother hand, if the setting is not “print” in step S1202, the CPU 108ends the processing without printing the transmission result report.

If the CPU 108 determines in step S1201 that the setting using theapplication function has not been configured, the CPU 108 proceeds tostep S1204, references the transmission result report print settingsthat are saved in the memory 109, and determines whether the setting onthe device is “always print”. Here, if the CPU 108 determines that thesetting is “always print”, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1203, printsthe transmission result report, and ends the processing.

On the other hand, if the CPU 108 determines in step S1204 that thesetting is not “always print”, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1205 anddetermines whether the setting on the device is “print only in case oferror”. If so, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1206, referencesinformation of the job for which transmission has ended, and determineswhether or not the transmission of the job has been successful. Here, ifthe CPU 108 determines that the transmission has failed, the CPU 108proceeds to step S1203 and prints the transmission result report,whereas if the transmission has been successful, the CPU 108 ends theprocessing without printing the transmission result report. If the CPU108 determines in step S1205 that the setting on the device is not“print only in case of error”, the CPU 108 determines that the settingon the device is “never print”, and ends the processing without printingthe transmission result report.

As described above, according to Embodiment 2, a configuration ispossible in which the printing of the transmission result report is notexecuted if a setting is not configured so as to print “transmissionresult report” on the screen of the application functions that can alsobe operated by a general user.

Embodiment 3

In the transmission result report shown in FIG. 7, an image of the firstpage of a transmitted original is printed together with a transmissionresult. However, it is conceivable, in terms of print costs or the like,to enable a setting of printing or not printing the transmitted image onthe transmission result report to be configured.

However, there is a demand for printing the image of a transmissionresult together as evidence of having transmitted an important document,when printing the transmission result report. At this time, operabilitydegrades if the setting of printing or not printing the transmittedimage on the transmission result report is switched for eachtransmission job and this setting is again restored to the originalstate after transmission ends.

Embodiment 3 will describe an example of configuring the setting ofprinting or not printing an image of a transmission result together whenprinting the transmission result report. Note that, since theconfiguration and the like of the multi-function printer according toEmbodiment 3 are similar to those in Embodiment 1 described above, adescription thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an exemplary transmission result reportprint setting screen that is displayed in a multi-function printeraccording to Embodiment 3. This transmission result report print settingscreen is called and displayed as a result of the user selecting“transmission result report” in the setting item list 502 on the screenin FIG. 5A.

Here, as compared with the screen in FIG. 5B according to Embodiment 1described above, a button 1301 for configuring a setting of printing ornot printing a transmitted image is provided in addition to the button506 for designating whether to permit an instruction to print thetransmission result report. The button 1301 is a transmitted imagesetting button for configuring a setting of printing or not printing thetransmitted image on the transmission result report. A button 1302 is abutton for configuring a setting using the application function, thebutton enabling a setting of printing or not printing the transmittedimage to be configured for each job using the application function. Withany of these buttons, if ON is selected, a setting is configured so asto execute the function, and if OFF is selected, a setting is configuredso as not to execute the function.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an exemplary application function settingscreen that is displayed on the display unit 301 by the user pressingthe application function button 403 or 408 in FIG. 4A or 4B, inEmbodiment 3.

As is clear as compared with FIG. 6, a “print transmitted image” button1401 is added in FIG. 14. The user can configure a setting so as toprint the transmitted image on the transmission result report that isprinted after the transmission job ends, by pressing this button 1401.

This “print transmitted image” button 1401 is displayed in a shadedstate when OFF is selected in the button 1302 for permitting the settingusing the application function on the screen in FIG. 13. On the otherhand, when ON is selected in the button 1302 for permitting the settingusing the application function on the screen in FIG. 13, the “printtransmitted image” button 1401 is normally displayed and is selectable.

Subsequently, processing for printing the transmission result reportwhen transmission ends will be described using a flowchart in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing for controlling, whentransmission ends, whether to print the transmission result report inthe multi-function printer according to Embodiment 3. Note that acontrol program related to this flowchart is stored in the memory 109,and the processing shown in the flowchart is realized by the programbeing executed under the control of the CPU 108.

Above Embodiments 1 and 2 have described the operation of printing thetransmission result report itself with the settings on the device andthe user settings, whereas the description here will focus on theprinting of the transmitted image at the time of printing thetransmission result report.

This processing is started by a transmission job ending, and initially,in step S1501, the CPU 108 determines whether or not “print transmittedimage” has been set in the setting of the application function for theended transmitted job. If it is determined in step S1501 that “printtransmitted image” has been set, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1502 anddetermines whether or not this setting is “print”. Here, if the settingis “print”, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1503, references informationof the transmission job that has ended and image information thereof,and generates and prints the transmission result report using the imageof the first page of the transmitted image. That is to say, the CPU 108prints the image of the first page of the transmitted original in thetransmitted image area 702 in FIG. 7, and ends the processing. On theother hand, if the CPU 108 determines in step S1502 that the setting isnot “print”, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1505. In step S1505, the CPU108 references the information of the transmitted job, and generates andprints the transmission result report that does not contain thetransmitted image. That is to say, the CPU 108 prints the report inwhich nothing is printed in the transmitted image area 702 in FIG. 7,and ends the processing.

On the other hand, if, in step S1501, “print transmitted image” has notbeen set in the setting of the application function, the CPU 108proceeds to step S1504 and follows the settings on the device regardingwhether or not to print the transmitted image. Here, the CPU 108references the transmitted image print setting that is saved in thememory 109, and determines whether or not the setting on the device is“print”. If the CPU 108 determines in step S1504 that the setting is“print”, the CPU 108 proceeds to step S1503, prints the transmissionresult report with the transmitted image, and ends the processing. Onthe other hand, if the CPU 108 determines in step S1504 that theprinting of the transmitted image has not been set, the CPU 108 proceedsto step S1505, prints the transmission result report that does notcontain the transmitted image, and ends the processing.

As described above, according to Embodiment 3, whether to print thetransmitted image on the transmission result report can be controlledwith the settings for each job configured by the user.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by a computerof a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executableinstructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium(which may also be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium’) to perform the functions of one ormore of the above-described embodiments and/or that includes one or morecircuits (e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) forperforming the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiments, and by a method performed by the computer of the system orapparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computerexecutable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functionsof one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or controlling theone or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiments. The computer may comprise one or moreprocessors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit(MPU)) and may include a network of separate computers or separateprocessors to read out and execute the computer executable instructions.The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer,for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage mediummay include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-accessmemory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributedcomputing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digitalversatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, amemory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2014-062727, filed Mar. 25, 2014, which is hereby incorporated byreference wherein in its entirety.

1.-11. (canceled)
 12. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a readerthat reads a document to generate image data; a user interface thataccepts an instruction from a user; a memory device that storesinstructions; and a processor that executes the instructions stored inthe memory device to: transmit the generated image data; set a settingregarding an output of a transmission result of transmission of theimage data based on an instruction for transmitting before the userinterface accepts the instruction for transmitting; and control theoutput of the transmission result, based on the setting, in thetransmission of the image data in accordance with the instruction fortransmitting.
 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12,wherein the setting is enabled in accordance with having the instructionaccepted by the user interface.
 14. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 12, wherein the generated image data is transmittedby electronic mail.
 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim12, wherein the processor further executes the instructions stored inthe memory device to: set a default setting regarding the output of thetransmission result, wherein, the output of the transmission result iscontrolled preferentially based on the setting in the transmission ofthe image data and not the default setting.
 16. The image formingapparatus according to claim 15, wherein the default setting is set by auser having an administrative right.
 17. The image forming apparatusaccording to claim 15, wherein the default setting is able to be set asany one of a first setting for performing printing, a second setting forperforming printing in a case of an error, and a third setting for notperforming printing.
 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim12, wherein the setting regarding the output of the transmission resultcan be set by a user having no administrative right.
 19. The imageforming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the default settingincludes a setting regarding whether the setting is enabled or disabled.20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, furthercomprising: a printer that prints the transmission result, wherein, theoutput of the transmission result is controlled using the printer.
 21. Amethod of controlling an image forming apparatus having a reader thatreads a document to generate image data, and a user interface thataccepts an instruction from a user, the method comprising: transmittingthe generated image data; setting a setting regarding an output of atransmission result of transmission of the image data based on aninstruction for transmitting before the user interface accepts theinstruction for transmitting; and controlling the output of thetransmission result, based on the setting, in the transmission of theimage data in accordance with the instruction for transmitting.